Hunters hope for autumn trapping

The Government is considering applying a derogation to allow autumn trapping of the golden plover and song thrush, according to the hunters’ federation.

The federation, FKNK, said top officials, led by its president, Joe Perici Calascione, met Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Environment Minister Mario de Marco.

The meeting, it said, focused on hunting and trapping issues, particularly the application of a derogation to open an autumn trapping season.

The federation reiterated its opinion that a derogation could be applied to allow trapping for the seven finch species.

The hunters said Dr Gonzi referred to the reasoned opinion that Malta received related to the application of past trapping derogations and said the government was “solely considering the application of a derogation to allow trapping of golden plover and song thrush”, as recommended by the Ornis Committee, the FKNK said.

Other topics were also discussed, including spring hunting, fixed autumn and winter hunting seasons, CABS and drone planes, wild rabbit hunting and trapping, carnet de chasse and law enforcement.